About knowmore

knowmore is a nation-wide, free and independent community legal centre providing legal information, advice, representation and referrals, education and systemic advocacy for victims and survivors of child abuse. Our vision is a community that is accountable to survivors and free of child abuse. Our mission is to facilitate access to justice for victims and survivors of child abuse, and to work with survivors and their supporters to stop child abuse.

Our service was initially established in 2013 to assist people who were engaging with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (‘the Royal Commission’). knowmore was established by and operates as a program of the National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC), with funding from the Australian Government, represented by the Attorney-General’s Department. knowmore also receives funding under a grant from the Financial Counselling Foundation.

From 1 July 2018 NACLC has been funded to operate knowmore to deliver legal support services to assist survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to access redress under the National Redress Scheme. knowmore assists survivors by providing information and advice about the options available to them, including claims under the NRS, access to compensation through other schemes or common law rights and claims.

knowmore uses a multidisciplinary model bringing together intake officers, lawyers, social workers and counsellors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement advisors and financial counsellors to provide trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally safe legal assistance to clients. Services are provided through a national phone line and face-to-face services in key locations, supported by a comprehensive program of outreach and community engagement across Australia. knowmore currently has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

About the Team

The Legal Team will provide high quality legal advice in a culturally safe and appropriate manner within a trauma informed framework in accordance with relevant legislation, the Risk Management Guide and knowmore’spractice manual, undertake legal research and prepare and deliver community legal education, working cooperatively and collaboratively with other staff and service providers. In particular the Legal Team will provide legal advice;

a) prior to application, so survivors understand eligibility requirements and the application process of the Scheme and their legal options.

b) during completion of a survivor’s application.

c) after a survivor has received an offer of redress or refusal and elects to seek an internal review.

d) on the effect of signing a deed of release, including its impact on the prospect of future litigation.

We are currently recruiting multiple positions, to see the ad for the: